- Jim Misunas joins to discuss the weekend's events

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756047315700.jpeg" alt="Monday Show Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry" />
 <figcaption>Monday Show Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vcR-y0kDIUs?si=6c91Te3GKi4xSjqA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sounds of the Weekend- National and Local Player of the Week- Jim Misunas joins to discuss the weekend's events

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

Vitoria Campigotto&nbsp;of the Barton Community College women's tennis team earned an automatic national qualifying bid by capturing the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Fall Central Region title Saturday in Arkansas City.

The sophomore entered the 22-entry field as the No. 2 seed, winning three matches in two days before knocking off the top seeded Cynthia Wanjala from host Cowley College Saturday afternoon in straight 6-1 sets.

The victory punches Campigotto's ticket to the ITA Cup held October 16-19 at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Georgia.

Receiving a bye in the Round of 32, Campigotto began her quest Thursday afternoon with twin 6-3 victories over Yu Hozumi of Cowley. Returning Friday morning, Campigotto benefitted by an injury default over teammate and 7th seeded&nbsp;Grace Tchamoussa. In the afternoon session, Capigotto would again defeat a Tiger opponent by prevailing 7-4 in the tiebreak after taking the first set 6-3 but dropping the second 6-1 to 6th seeded Naghely Garcia.

Following the two Friday matches of singles play, Campigotto returned to the court teaming with freshman&nbsp;Danira Ndengoue&nbsp;but the 4th seeded tandem was forced to retire in the quarterfinal bout with Seward County's Salma Achik and Patricia Sazambile.

Ndengoue's run in singles action nearly produced an all-Barton final, but the 5th seed came up short against Wanjala 7-5 in the third set after splitting 6-3 frames. Receiving a bye in the first round, Ndengoue rolled past Pratt's Ilse Smaalders 6-2, 6-3 in the Round of 16 before fighting back from a 6-1 opening set loss to defeat Seward County's Paula Elena Oborocea 6-3 and 6-3 in advancing to the semifinals.

Barton's other two singles entries, sophomore&nbsp;Salalee Seejong&nbsp;dropped a 6-3, 6-1 decision to Pratt's Emma Guzman while Tchamoussa advanced by injury default in her first match before retiring to Campigotto in the quarterfinals.

The pair also had their doubles play cut short early by dropping an 8-3 loss to Pratt's Smaalders and Sandra Dominguez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758545067706.jpeg" alt="Photo by Todd Moore" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Todd Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>Vitoria Campigotto&nbsp;of the Barton Community College women's tennis team earned an automatic national qualifying bid by capturing the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Fall Central Region title Saturday in Arkansas City.The sophomore entered the 22-entry field as the No. 2 seed, winning three matches in two days before knocking off the top seeded Cynthia Wanjala from host Cowley College Saturday afternoon in straight 6-1 sets.The victory punches Campigotto's ticket to the ITA Cup held October 16-19 at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Georgia.Receiving a bye in the Round of 32, Campigotto began her quest Thursday afternoon with twin 6-3 victories over Yu Hozumi of Cowley. Returning Friday morning, Campigotto benefitted by an injury default over teammate and 7th seeded&nbsp;Grace Tchamoussa. In the afternoon session, Capigotto would again defeat a Tiger opponent by prevailing 7-4 in the tiebreak after taking the first set 6-3 but dropping the second 6-1 to 6th seeded Naghely Garcia.Following the two Friday matches of singles play, Campigotto returned to the court teaming with freshman&nbsp;Danira Ndengoue&nbsp;but the 4th seeded tandem was forced to retire in the quarterfinal bout with Seward County's Salma Achik and Patricia Sazambile.Ndengoue's run in singles action nearly produced an all-Barton final, but the 5th seed came up short against Wanjala 7-5 in the third set after splitting 6-3 frames. Receiving a bye in the first round, Ndengoue rolled past Pratt's Ilse Smaalders 6-2, 6-3 in the Round of 16 before fighting back from a 6-1 opening set loss to defeat Seward County's Paula Elena Oborocea 6-3 and 6-3 in advancing to the semifinals.Barton's other two singles entries, sophomore&nbsp;Salalee Seejong&nbsp;dropped a 6-3, 6-1 decision to Pratt's Emma Guzman while Tchamoussa advanced by injury default in her first match before retiring to Campigotto in the quarterfinals.The pair also had their doubles play cut short early by dropping an 8-3 loss to Pratt's Smaalders and Sandra Dominguez.

Barton's Campigotto wins ITA Fall Central Region Championships, qualifies for ITA Cup

A fast start in a matchup of nationally ranked foes would not be enough for the No. 6 Barton Community College men's soccer team on the road Sunday afternoon as No. 17 Dodge City Community College responded with two unanswered goals to deal the Cougars a 2-1 setback at Dodge City's Memorial Stadium.

The result snaps Barton's four game winning streak, dropping the Cougars to 2-1-0 in conference play and 5-2-1 overall, while the Conquistadors remain unbeaten in league action at 2-0-1 and 5-0-2 on the season. Barton will look to rebound Wednesday evening against another nationally ranked opponent, traveling to No. 4 Cowley College for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Arkansas City.

Freshman&nbsp;Samuele Mailer&nbsp;wasted little time pushing the Cougars in front just 1:58 into the contest, as his defensive pressure forced a Conquistador turnover that led to a clean 1-on-1 chance from 12 yards out, burying his second tally of the season.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Dodge City struck back just 4:27 later, catching Barton's backline collapsed on the near-side before sliding the ball through the box for a backside tap-in knotted it up at 1-1.

The Conquistadors delivered the decisive goal in the 59th minute, driving down the far side before a cross placed into the box set up a near-post strike tucking inside the upper-90 from 14 yards out.

BARTON SCORING SUMMARY 1:58:&nbsp;Samuele Mailer&nbsp;(2)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758544924767.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A fast start in a matchup of nationally ranked foes would not be enough for the No. 6 Barton Community College men's soccer team on the road Sunday afternoon as No. 17 Dodge City Community College responded with two unanswered goals to deal the Cougars a 2-1 setback at Dodge City's Memorial Stadium.The result snaps Barton's four game winning streak, dropping the Cougars to 2-1-0 in conference play and 5-2-1 overall, while the Conquistadors remain unbeaten in league action at 2-0-1 and 5-0-2 on the season. Barton will look to rebound Wednesday evening against another nationally ranked opponent, traveling to No. 4 Cowley College for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Arkansas City.Freshman&nbsp;Samuele Mailer&nbsp;wasted little time pushing the Cougars in front just 1:58 into the contest, as his defensive pressure forced a Conquistador turnover that led to a clean 1-on-1 chance from 12 yards out, burying his second tally of the season.The lead, however, was short-lived. Dodge City struck back just 4:27 later, catching Barton's backline collapsed on the near-side before sliding the ball through the box for a backside tap-in knotted it up at 1-1.The Conquistadors delivered the decisive goal in the 59th minute, driving down the far side before a cross placed into the box set up a near-post strike tucking inside the upper-90 from 14 yards out.BARTON SCORING SUMMARY 1:58:&nbsp;Samuele Mailer&nbsp;(2)

Fast start not enough, No. 6 Barton falls 2-1 in Top-20 clash at No. 17 Dodge City

The Barton Community College women's soccer team earned its first shutout of the season Sunday afternoon, netting two first half goals and adding another after the break to secure a 3-0 victory over Dodge City Community College at Memorial Stadium.

Winners of three straight, the Cougars improve to 2-2-0 in conference play and 4-3-0 overall, while the Conquistadors drop to 1-2-0 in league action and 3-2-0 on the season. Barton will have a short turnaround Wednesday with another stiff test on the road, facing conference leading No. 8 Cowley College in a 5:00 p.m. kickoff at Arkansas City.

Freshman&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, bending a perfectly struck free kick from 25 plus yards out that tucked just under the crossbar for her first collegiate goal.

Barton doubled the margin midway through the half as&nbsp;Ayaka Nagano's far side delivery into the box was flicked on by&nbsp;Maelle&nbsp;Harnisch, setting up&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;to missile home her third goal of the season with 17:29 left in the stanza.

The Cougars closed out the scoring in the 68th minute, when&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;showed sharp individual skill, using a self-pass to create space before unleashing a right footed strike into the far upper-90 for her team leading fifth goal of the year.

Defensively, Barton's backline held firm while the goalkeeper tandem of&nbsp;Leonie Chambe&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kimberly Escobedo&nbsp;combined to keep the Conquistadors off the board, securing the Cougars' first clean sheet of the season.

BARTON SCORING SUMMARY 8:53:&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;(1) 27:31:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(3); Assist:&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch&nbsp;(1) 68:01:&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;(5)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758206385386.jpeg" alt="Photo by Todd Moore" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Todd Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College women's soccer team earned its first shutout of the season Sunday afternoon, netting two first half goals and adding another after the break to secure a 3-0 victory over Dodge City Community College at Memorial Stadium.Winners of three straight, the Cougars improve to 2-2-0 in conference play and 4-3-0 overall, while the Conquistadors drop to 1-2-0 in league action and 3-2-0 on the season. Barton will have a short turnaround Wednesday with another stiff test on the road, facing conference leading No. 8 Cowley College in a 5:00 p.m. kickoff at Arkansas City.Freshman&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, bending a perfectly struck free kick from 25 plus yards out that tucked just under the crossbar for her first collegiate goal.Barton doubled the margin midway through the half as&nbsp;Ayaka Nagano's far side delivery into the box was flicked on by&nbsp;Maelle&nbsp;Harnisch, setting up&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;to missile home her third goal of the season with 17:29 left in the stanza.The Cougars closed out the scoring in the 68th minute, when&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;showed sharp individual skill, using a self-pass to create space before unleashing a right footed strike into the far upper-90 for her team leading fifth goal of the year.Defensively, Barton's backline held firm while the goalkeeper tandem of&nbsp;Leonie Chambe&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kimberly Escobedo&nbsp;combined to keep the Conquistadors off the board, securing the Cougars' first clean sheet of the season.BARTON SCORING SUMMARY 8:53:&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;(1) 27:31:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(3); Assist:&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch&nbsp;(1) 68:01:&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;(5)

Cougars post first shutout of season in 3-0 win at Dodge City

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks opened Big 12 Conference play with a 41-10 victory over West Virginia Saturday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.&nbsp;

With the win, Kansas improves to 3-1 (1-0 Big 12) on the year while beginning conference play with a victory for the third time in the past four seasons. West Virginia dropped to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

The 31-point margin of victory is KU's largest ever in a Big 12 Conference opener, surpassing the previous best of 28 points in a 52-24 victory over Oklahoma in 1996, the league's inaugural season.&nbsp;

Jalon Daniels&nbsp;threw for 138 yards and three touchdowns, including one to&nbsp;Leshon Williams, who recorded the first 100-yard rushing game of his KU career with 19 carries for 129 yards and a score.&nbsp;Levi Wentz&nbsp;and&nbsp;Boden Groen&nbsp;both hauled in their first touchdowns as Jayhawks, while&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;scored on a 94-yard kickoff return to open the second half.&nbsp;

Dean Miller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blake Herold&nbsp;led the way for KU defensively with seven tackles apiece. Miller added a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Herold had a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble.&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;recorded an interception and a sack against his former team.

Kansas forced a quick three-and-out to open the game as Miller recorded his first sack of the season on third down. After a 30-yard punt return from&nbsp;Tate Nagy&nbsp;set the Jayhawks up at midfield, KU needed just four plays to score as Daniels found Wentz for a 41-yard touchdown on fourth down to make it 7-0 just over three minutes into the contest. Defense dominated the rest of the first quarter as the two teams combined for just three first downs and eight punts as the Jayhawks maintained the 7-0 lead at the end of the quarter.&nbsp;

KU added to its lead, opening the second quarter with a 10-play scoring drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal from&nbsp;Laith Marjan, making it 10-0 with 10:25 to play in the half. West Virginia got on the board with a 26-yard field goal that cut the deficit to 10-3 at the 3:43 mark of the quarter. Kansas quickly responded, scoring on a 39-yard touchdown from Daniels to Williams, which put the Jayhawks up 17-3. KU added a 44-yard field goal from Marjan as time expired in the half and took a 20-3 lead to the break.&nbsp;

The Jayhawks' scoring run continued on the opening kickoff of the second half. Henderson Jr. took the kickoff at the six-yard line and returned it 94 yards for a score, the first kickoff return touchdown by a Kansas player since 2020. KU added a seven-yard touchdown from Daniels to Groen to lead 34-3 at the end of three.

West Virginia scores its lone touchdown of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter, making it 34-10. Kansas answered with a 62-yard touchdown run by Williams, which would prove to be the final score of the game as KU opened league play with the victory by a 41-10 margin.&nbsp;

With Big 12 Conference play underway, the Jayhawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 27 when KU welcomes the Cincinnati Bearcats to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Kickoff for that game is slated for 11 a.m. CT on TNT/TruTV/MAX.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758544286967.jpeg" alt="KUAthletics.com" />
 <figcaption>KUAthletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks opened Big 12 Conference play with a 41-10 victory over West Virginia Saturday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.&nbsp;With the win, Kansas improves to 3-1 (1-0 Big 12) on the year while beginning conference play with a victory for the third time in the past four seasons. West Virginia dropped to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.The 31-point margin of victory is KU's largest ever in a Big 12 Conference opener, surpassing the previous best of 28 points in a 52-24 victory over Oklahoma in 1996, the league's inaugural season.&nbsp;Jalon Daniels&nbsp;threw for 138 yards and three touchdowns, including one to&nbsp;Leshon Williams, who recorded the first 100-yard rushing game of his KU career with 19 carries for 129 yards and a score.&nbsp;Levi Wentz&nbsp;and&nbsp;Boden Groen&nbsp;both hauled in their first touchdowns as Jayhawks, while&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;scored on a 94-yard kickoff return to open the second half.&nbsp;Dean Miller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blake Herold&nbsp;led the way for KU defensively with seven tackles apiece. Miller added a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Herold had a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble.&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;recorded an interception and a sack against his former team.Kansas forced a quick three-and-out to open the game as Miller recorded his first sack of the season on third down. After a 30-yard punt return from&nbsp;Tate Nagy&nbsp;set the Jayhawks up at midfield, KU needed just four plays to score as Daniels found Wentz for a 41-yard touchdown on fourth down to make it 7-0 just over three minutes into the contest. Defense dominated the rest of the first quarter as the two teams combined for just three first downs and eight punts as the Jayhawks maintained the 7-0 lead at the end of the quarter.&nbsp;KU added to its lead, opening the second quarter with a 10-play scoring drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal from&nbsp;Laith Marjan, making it 10-0 with 10:25 to play in the half. West Virginia got on the board with a 26-yard field goal that cut the deficit to 10-3 at the 3:43 mark of the quarter. Kansas quickly responded, scoring on a 39-yard touchdown from Daniels to Williams, which put the Jayhawks up 17-3. KU added a 44-yard field goal from Marjan as time expired in the half and took a 20-3 lead to the break.&nbsp;The Jayhawks' scoring run continued on the opening kickoff of the second half. Henderson Jr. took the kickoff at the six-yard line and returned it 94 yards for a score, the first kickoff return touchdown by a Kansas player since 2020. KU added a seven-yard touchdown from Daniels to Groen to lead 34-3 at the end of three.West Virginia scores its lone touchdown of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter, making it 34-10. Kansas answered with a 62-yard touchdown run by Williams, which would prove to be the final score of the game as KU opened league play with the victory by a 41-10 margin.&nbsp;With Big 12 Conference play underway, the Jayhawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 27 when KU welcomes the Cincinnati Bearcats to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Kickoff for that game is slated for 11 a.m. CT on TNT/TruTV/MAX.

Kansas Opens Big 12 Play with 41-10 Win Over West Virginia

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.

“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”

Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;Chiefs pick up their first win&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”

“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”

Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.

The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.

The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;The first-round pick&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.

“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”

Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.

Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.

Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.

“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”

Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.

Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.

Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758537113496.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;Chiefs pick up their first win&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;The first-round pick&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Host Baltimore next Sunday.Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the Giants 22-9 for their first win this season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.

Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.

The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.

After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.

Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.

Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.

Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.

Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.

Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.

The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.

The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758543919808.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Andres Gimenez watches his RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Andres Gimenez watches his RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.<h2>Up next</h2>The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.

American League-best Blue Jays beat Royals 8-5 and clinch their 1st postseason berth since 2023

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the New York Giants 22-9 to pick up their first win of the season. Mahomes was 22 of 37 for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton. His vintage performance slinging the ball around helped the Chiefs avoid what would've been their first 0-3 start since 2011. Russell Wilson threw two interceptions as the Giants fell to 0-3. Fans chanted for Jaxson Dart, but the first-round pick got only a handful of snaps with Wilson attempting his team's every pass.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jordan Davis blocked a field-goal attempt by the Rams’ Joshua Karty on the final play of the game and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown to give Philadelphia an exhilarating 33-26 win over Los Angeles. It was the Eagles' second blocked kick of the fourth quarter. The Rams led 26-21 midway through the fourth when Jalen Carter blocked Karty’s 36-yard try, and Jalen Hurts then led the Super Bowl champion Eagles on a 91-yard drive for the go-ahead score. That left 1:48 on the clock for Matthew Stafford, who led the Rams into position for Karty’s 44-yard attempt with 3 seconds left. Davis instead wedged his way through, knocked the ball down, scooped it and rumbled to the end zone.

NFL fans saw two game-changing blocked field goals that were returned for touchdowns minutes apart. First, Philadelphia’s Jordan Davis blocked a 44-yard attempt by the Rams’ Joshua Karty on the final play of the game that would have won it for Los Angeles. Davis scooped the ball and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 33-26 victory. Jalen Carter blocked Karty’s 33-yard try earlier in the fourth quarter. Shortly after Davis’ heroics in Philadelphia, the Jets’ Will McDonald jumped over the Buccaneers’ snapper, blocked a 43-yard try by Chase McLaughlin and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 27-26 lead at Tampa Bay with 1:49 remaining. Baker Mayfield led the Bucs to McLaughlin's winning field goal.

Miami jumped LSU and Penn State into the No. 2 spot behind Ohio State in The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. Oklahoma is in the top 10 for the first time in two years and Indiana and Texas Tech made big moves after lopsided wins over ranked opponents. Miami has its highest ranking since 2017. Penn State, which had been No. 2 since the preseason, was idle and slipped to No. 3. LSU fell one spot to No. 4 after an easy win. Georgia, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida State, Texas A&amp;M and Texas round out the top 10.

The list of Grand Prix podium finishers in 2025 now includes Carlos Sainz, Jr. It doesn't include the driver who replaced him at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton said he “couldn’t really care less” about finishing eighth as his wait for a first top-three finish at Ferrari goes on. Hamilton could point to some progress after starting 12th on the grid but the overall mood was disappointment after Ferrari had led the way in Friday’s second practice session, only to fall back into the middle of the pack.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored a playoff-career high 34 points and the Indiana Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces 89-73 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-five semifinal series. After seeing their double-digit lead shrink to three points with 2:51 left in the third, the Fever closed the quarter on an 11-0 run to extend their advantage to 14 points, seizing control of the game and never looking back. Mitchell, who finished fifth in MVP voting with 93 points, scored 17 points in the first half, setting the tone for the Fever’s offense. The victory spoiled A’ja Wilson’s celebration for becoming the WNBA’s first player to win four MVPs in her career. The 29-year-old, who was also named the AP Player of the Year, finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

HOUSTON (AP) — Cal Raleigh has hit his major league-leading 58th homer, a two-run shot for the Seattle Mariners in the second inning Sunday night against the Houston Astros. The Mariners were up 5-0 after a grand slam by J.P. Crawford in the second when Raleigh, batting left-handed, connected off Jason Alexander for his home run to right field to extend the lead. The shot came a night after Raleigh passed Ken Griffey Jr. for the franchise single-season home run record with his 57th. Griffey hit 56 in both 1997 and 1998.

CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams tied a career high with four touchdown passes and the Chicago Bears gave Ben Johnson his first win as a head coach by beating the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. The Bears got a win they sorely needed coming off a 52-21 blowout loss at Detroit. Johnson called out his team’s practice habits during the week. But he had to like what he saw against the Cowboys. Johnson’s offense broke off several big plays in racking up 385 yards. It added up to a rough day for Dallas defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in his first appearance at Soldier Field since the Bears fired him as head coach last November.

CHICAGO (AP) — Dallas Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb left Sunday’s 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears because of an ankle injury. The four-time Pro Bowler was hurt on a run in the first quarter. He took a handoff and twisted his ankle as he was tackled by Noah Sewell. Lamb ad a noticeable limp when he returned at the start of the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game at halftime. Lamb, who had 1,194 yards receiving last season, is off to a good start this season. He came into the game with 16 catches for 222 yards.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to their best start in 20 years, thanks to another thrilling finish orchestrated by Baker Mayfield. Chase McLaughlin’s fifth field goal, a 36-yarder as time expired, gave the Bucs a 29-27 victory over the New York Jets, who rallied from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to take the lead before Mayfield led his team on a late scoring drive to win in the final minute for the third straight week. The Bucs are 3-0 for the first time since 2005. The Jets are 0-3 for the third time in the last six years.

INTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 11 Athletics 0 Final Atlanta 6 Detroit 2 Final San Diego 3 Chicago White Sox 2 Final Colorado 3 L.A. Angels 1 Final Miami 4 Texas 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Minnesota 6 Cleveland 2 Final Toronto 8 Kansas City 5 Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Baltimore 1 Final Seattle 7 Houston 3 Final Tampa Bay 7 Boston 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 1 Chicago Cubs 0 Final Washington 3 N.Y. Mets 2 Final St. Louis 5 Milwaukee 1 Final San Francisco 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Arizona 9 Philadelphia 2

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Final	Carolina	30	Atlanta	0	 Final	Cleveland	13	Green Bay	10	 Final	Indianapolis	41	Tennessee	20 Final	Jacksonville	17	Houston	10	 Final	Minnesota	48	Cincinnati	10	 Final	Philadelphia	33	L.A. Rams	26	 Final	Pittsburgh	21	New England	14	 Final	Tampa Bay	29	N-Y Jets	27	 Final	Washington	41	Las Vegas	24	 Final	L.A. Chargers	23	Denver	20	 Final	Seattle	44	New Orleans	13	 Final	Chicago	31	Dallas	14	 Final	San Francisco	16	Arizona	15	 Final	Kansas City	22	N-Y Giants	9

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the New York Giants 22-9 to pick up their first win of the season. Mahomes was 22 of 37 for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton. His vintage performance slinging the ball around helped the Chiefs avoid what would've been their first 0-3 start since 2011. Russell Wilson threw two interceptions as the Giants fell to 0-3. Fans chanted for Jaxson Dart, but the first-round pick got only a handful of snaps with Wilson attempting his team's every pass.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jordan Davis blocked a field-goal attempt by the Rams’ Joshua Karty on the final play of the game and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown to give Philadelphia an exhilarating 33-26 win over Los Angeles. It was the Eagles' second blocked kick of the fourth quarter. The Rams led 26-21 midway through the fourth when Jalen Carter blocked Karty’s 36-yard try, and Jalen Hurts then led the Super Bowl champion Eagles on a 91-yard drive for the go-ahead score. That left 1:48 on the clock for Matthew Stafford, who led the Rams into position for Karty’s 44-yard attempt with 3 seconds left. Davis instead wedged his way through, knocked the ball down, scooped it and rumbled to the end zone.NFL fans saw two game-changing blocked field goals that were returned for touchdowns minutes apart. First, Philadelphia’s Jordan Davis blocked a 44-yard attempt by the Rams’ Joshua Karty on the final play of the game that would have won it for Los Angeles. Davis scooped the ball and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 33-26 victory. Jalen Carter blocked Karty’s 33-yard try earlier in the fourth quarter. Shortly after Davis’ heroics in Philadelphia, the Jets’ Will McDonald jumped over the Buccaneers’ snapper, blocked a 43-yard try by Chase McLaughlin and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 27-26 lead at Tampa Bay with 1:49 remaining. Baker Mayfield led the Bucs to McLaughlin's winning field goal.Miami jumped LSU and Penn State into the No. 2 spot behind Ohio State in The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. Oklahoma is in the top 10 for the first time in two years and Indiana and Texas Tech made big moves after lopsided wins over ranked opponents. Miami has its highest ranking since 2017. Penn State, which had been No. 2 since the preseason, was idle and slipped to No. 3. LSU fell one spot to No. 4 after an easy win. Georgia, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida State, Texas A&amp;M and Texas round out the top 10.The list of Grand Prix podium finishers in 2025 now includes Carlos Sainz, Jr. It doesn't include the driver who replaced him at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton said he “couldn’t really care less” about finishing eighth as his wait for a first top-three finish at Ferrari goes on. Hamilton could point to some progress after starting 12th on the grid but the overall mood was disappointment after Ferrari had led the way in Friday’s second practice session, only to fall back into the middle of the pack.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored a playoff-career high 34 points and the Indiana Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces 89-73 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-five semifinal series. After seeing their double-digit lead shrink to three points with 2:51 left in the third, the Fever closed the quarter on an 11-0 run to extend their advantage to 14 points, seizing control of the game and never looking back. Mitchell, who finished fifth in MVP voting with 93 points, scored 17 points in the first half, setting the tone for the Fever’s offense. The victory spoiled A’ja Wilson’s celebration for becoming the WNBA’s first player to win four MVPs in her career. The 29-year-old, who was also named the AP Player of the Year, finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.HOUSTON (AP) — Cal Raleigh has hit his major league-leading 58th homer, a two-run shot for the Seattle Mariners in the second inning Sunday night against the Houston Astros. The Mariners were up 5-0 after a grand slam by J.P. Crawford in the second when Raleigh, batting left-handed, connected off Jason Alexander for his home run to right field to extend the lead. The shot came a night after Raleigh passed Ken Griffey Jr. for the franchise single-season home run record with his 57th. Griffey hit 56 in both 1997 and 1998.CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams tied a career high with four touchdown passes and the Chicago Bears gave Ben Johnson his first win as a head coach by beating the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. The Bears got a win they sorely needed coming off a 52-21 blowout loss at Detroit. Johnson called out his team’s practice habits during the week. But he had to like what he saw against the Cowboys. Johnson’s offense broke off several big plays in racking up 385 yards. It added up to a rough day for Dallas defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in his first appearance at Soldier Field since the Bears fired him as head coach last November.CHICAGO (AP) — Dallas Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb left Sunday’s 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears because of an ankle injury. The four-time Pro Bowler was hurt on a run in the first quarter. He took a handoff and twisted his ankle as he was tackled by Noah Sewell. Lamb ad a noticeable limp when he returned at the start of the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game at halftime. Lamb, who had 1,194 yards receiving last season, is off to a good start this season. He came into the game with 16 catches for 222 yards.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to their best start in 20 years, thanks to another thrilling finish orchestrated by Baker Mayfield. Chase McLaughlin’s fifth field goal, a 36-yarder as time expired, gave the Bucs a 29-27 victory over the New York Jets, who rallied from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to take the lead before Mayfield led his team on a late scoring drive to win in the final minute for the third straight week. The Bucs are 3-0 for the first time since 2005. The Jets are 0-3 for the third time in the last six years.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 11 Athletics 0 Final Atlanta 6 Detroit 2 Final San Diego 3 Chicago White Sox 2 Final Colorado 3 L.A. Angels 1 Final Miami 4 Texas 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Minnesota 6 Cleveland 2 Final Toronto 8 Kansas City 5 Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Baltimore 1 Final Seattle 7 Houston 3 Final Tampa Bay 7 Boston 3NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 1 Chicago Cubs 0 Final Washington 3 N.Y. Mets 2 Final St. Louis 5 Milwaukee 1 Final San Francisco 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Arizona 9 Philadelphia 2NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Final	Carolina	30	Atlanta	0	 Final	Cleveland	13	Green Bay	10	 Final	Indianapolis	41	Tennessee	20 Final	Jacksonville	17	Houston	10	 Final	Minnesota	48	Cincinnati	10	 Final	Philadelphia	33	L.A. Rams	26	 Final	Pittsburgh	21	New England	14	 Final	Tampa Bay	29	N-Y Jets	27	 Final	Washington	41	Las Vegas	24	 Final	L.A. Chargers	23	Denver	20	 Final	Seattle	44	New Orleans	13	 Final	Chicago	31	Dallas	14	 Final	San Francisco	16	Arizona	15	 Final	Kansas City	22	N-Y Giants	9

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Last Thursday proved to be a banner day for the fifth-ranked
Lady Panther cross country team. Great Bend took the top three spots in the
varsity race to beat Class 4A power Buhler and Class 3A power Southeast of
Saline in the team standings. The Panthers finished with 67 points, followed by
Buhler’s 73 points, and 76 points from SES.

Great Bend freshman Decorah Schroeter cruised to the win by
21 seconds in 20:05.3, followed by junior Bella Long in 20:26.8 for the silver.
Freshman Sydney Stein had to work for her bronze, beating Buhler junior Corbin
Starkweather by less than a second in 20:36.1. Sophomore Samantha Negaard
finished 16th overall in 22:09.2, and sophomore Sydney James ran 60th
in 25:55.9. Sophomore Alyssa Prendergrast placed 71st in 27:43.9.

Some of the usuals won on the boys’ side. Southeast of
Saline took the team title with 60 points, followed by Andale with 76, and
Hutchinson Trinity with 81. Great Bend finished fifth with 116 points.

Just four boys finished under 17 minutes. McPherson senior
Caleb Muehler led that pack in 16:29.8 to win by just more than a second.
Panther senior Tavon Stroup ran eighth in 17:20.4, and sophomore Brogan Lashley
broke the top-20 in 17th in 17:48.8. Sophomore Isaac Aldana finished
33rd in 18:38.8, sophomore Noah Kaiser placed 37th in
18:57.0, and junior Parker Coleman collected the final team points in 43rd
with a time of 19:15.9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758514591089.jpeg" alt="The Lady Panther cross country team beat Buhler by six points to win the team title Thursday in Buhler. (photo courtesy of Cara Negaard)" />
 <figcaption>The Lady Panther cross country team beat Buhler by six points to win the team title Thursday in Buhler. (photo courtesy of Cara Negaard)</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsLast Thursday proved to be a banner day for the fifth-ranked
Lady Panther cross country team. Great Bend took the top three spots in the
varsity race to beat Class 4A power Buhler and Class 3A power Southeast of
Saline in the team standings. The Panthers finished with 67 points, followed by
Buhler’s 73 points, and 76 points from SES.Great Bend freshman Decorah Schroeter cruised to the win by
21 seconds in 20:05.3, followed by junior Bella Long in 20:26.8 for the silver.
Freshman Sydney Stein had to work for her bronze, beating Buhler junior Corbin
Starkweather by less than a second in 20:36.1. Sophomore Samantha Negaard
finished 16th overall in 22:09.2, and sophomore Sydney James ran 60th
in 25:55.9. Sophomore Alyssa Prendergrast placed 71st in 27:43.9.Some of the usuals won on the boys’ side. Southeast of
Saline took the team title with 60 points, followed by Andale with 76, and
Hutchinson Trinity with 81. Great Bend finished fifth with 116 points.Just four boys finished under 17 minutes. McPherson senior
Caleb Muehler led that pack in 16:29.8 to win by just more than a second.
Panther senior Tavon Stroup ran eighth in 17:20.4, and sophomore Brogan Lashley
broke the top-20 in 17th in 17:48.8. Sophomore Isaac Aldana finished
33rd in 18:38.8, sophomore Noah Kaiser placed 37th in
18:57.0, and junior Parker Coleman collected the final team points in 43rd
with a time of 19:15.9.

Lady Panther runners go 1-2-3 in Buhler to take team title

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Each spring, some of the best high school track and field athletes from across the Midwest converge on Lawrence for the Kansas Relays. The event, which dates back to 1923, celebrated its 102nd anniversary last year. Great Bend athletes have shared recent success in the javelin, 4x800m relay, steeplechase, and triple jump.

All that has been put on pause for the 2026 season, according to the Lawrence Journal World. The newspaper quoted KU Athletic Director Travis Goff, who said the decision is tied to "expense management" following the settlement that allows universities to directly pay student athletes.

The Relays were held on the track at Memorial Stadium before moving to Rock Chalk Park on the outskirts of Lawrence in 2014. In addition to the region's top high school athletes, who must meet certain standards to compete at the Relays, the event also brings in other NCAA Div. I and junior college programs. Olympian and former Jayhawk Bryce Hoppel has been a staple of the relays in recent years, and Nixa, Mo.'s Jackson Cantwell competed last year as the national leader in the high school shot put.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758436685115.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School junior Bella Long reset her own steeplechase school record during last year's KU Relays." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School junior Bella Long reset her own steeplechase school record during last year's KU Relays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEach spring, some of the best high school track and field athletes from across the Midwest converge on Lawrence for the Kansas Relays. The event, which dates back to 1923, celebrated its 102nd anniversary last year. Great Bend athletes have shared recent success in the javelin, 4x800m relay, steeplechase, and triple jump.All that has been put on pause for the 2026 season, according to the Lawrence Journal World. The newspaper quoted KU Athletic Director Travis Goff, who said the decision is tied to "expense management" following the settlement that allows universities to directly pay student athletes.The Relays were held on the track at Memorial Stadium before moving to Rock Chalk Park on the outskirts of Lawrence in 2014. In addition to the region's top high school athletes, who must meet certain standards to compete at the Relays, the event also brings in other NCAA Div. I and junior college programs. Olympian and former Jayhawk Bryce Hoppel has been a staple of the relays in recent years, and Nixa, Mo.'s Jackson Cantwell competed last year as the national leader in the high school shot put.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758437067075.jpeg" alt="The distance medley relay team of Addy Nicholson, Reese Bullard, Sadie Spray, and Sienna Smith set a school record&nbsp; in&nbsp; 2024.&nbsp; (courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>The distance medley relay team of Addy Nicholson, Reese Bullard, Sadie Spray, and Sienna Smith set a school record&nbsp; in&nbsp; 2024.&nbsp; (courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>

KU Relays a no-go in 2026 due to cost-saving measures

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 38,&nbsp; Buhler 14 Manhattan 10, Hays 8 Garden City 39, Wichita Heights 28 Dodge City 27, Wichita South 8 Liberal 52, Guymon, OK 13 Central Kansas League Scott City (2-0) @ Hoisington (2-0) - Game called a "No Contest" due to weather in the 2nd quarter with Scott City leading 14-7. The game will not be resumed or made up and both teams leave with a 2-0 record. Pratt 41, Larned 6 Haven 38, Smoky Valley 6 Hesston 57, Hillsboro 26 Halstead 49, Nickerson 0 Other Area 11-Man Games Ellinwood 21,&nbsp;Osawatomie 0 Russell 28,&nbsp;Plainville 6 TMP 20,&nbsp;Phillipsburg 19 Ellsworth 47, Minneapolis 14 Republic County 30, Lyons 8 Sterling 60,&nbsp;Inman 47 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 24, Lacrosse 20&nbsp;(Sat) Kinsley 64,&nbsp;St. John 14 Ness City 48,&nbsp; Macksville 0 Victoria 2, Osborne 0 (Forfeit) Central Christian 62,&nbsp; Stafford 0 Sublette 66,&nbsp;Kiowa County 48&nbsp;(Sat)&nbsp; Pratt-Skyline 46, Pretty Prairie 6 Hodgeman County 46,&nbsp;Spearville 0 Sylvan-Lucas 46, Stockton 0 Area 6-Man Games Western Plains 34, Chase 0 Otis-Bison 26, Pawnee Heights 7

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 38,&nbsp; Buhler 14 Manhattan 10, Hays 8 Garden City 39, Wichita Heights 28 Dodge City 27, Wichita South 8 Liberal 52, Guymon, OK 13 Central Kansas League Scott City (2-0) @ Hoisington (2-0) - Game called a "No Contest" due to weather in the 2nd quarter with Scott City leading 14-7. The game will not be resumed or made up and both teams leave with a 2-0 record. Pratt 41, Larned 6 Haven 38, Smoky Valley 6 Hesston 57, Hillsboro 26 Halstead 49, Nickerson 0 Other Area 11-Man Games Ellinwood 21,&nbsp;Osawatomie 0 Russell 28,&nbsp;Plainville 6 TMP 20,&nbsp;Phillipsburg 19 Ellsworth 47, Minneapolis 14 Republic County 30, Lyons 8 Sterling 60,&nbsp;Inman 47 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 24, Lacrosse 20&nbsp;(Sat) Kinsley 64,&nbsp;St. John 14 Ness City 48,&nbsp; Macksville 0 Victoria 2, Osborne 0 (Forfeit) Central Christian 62,&nbsp; Stafford 0 Sublette 66,&nbsp;Kiowa County 48&nbsp;(Sat)&nbsp; Pratt-Skyline 46, Pretty Prairie 6 Hodgeman County 46,&nbsp;Spearville 0 Sylvan-Lucas 46, Stockton 0 Area 6-Man Games Western Plains 34, Chase 0 Otis-Bison 26, Pawnee Heights 7

Area High School Football Scores - Week 3 (9/19)

By DR. KARISSA NIEHOFF NFHS

In just four years since the return to full activity in high school sports following the pandemic, participation figures have increased more than 200,000 each year. Two of the biggest reasons have been the re-emergence of 11-player football and the skyrocketing numbers of girls flag football.

In the year prior to the pandemic, football had just recorded its sixth consecutive decline and 10th decline in the previous 11 years. Participation had dropped more than 100,000 participants during that time period.

Talk about a comeback. With many programs on the sidelines for parts of two years, the return of the floodlights to high school fields on Friday nights has sparked communities across the country.

The number of participants in boys 11-player football has increased three of the past four years – a trend not seen since the mid-2000s some 20 years ago. And to further illustrate the health of the most popular high school boys sport, the number of schools offering the sport was the second-highest all-time in 2024. With 14,269 schools sponsoring 11-player football in 2024, only the 14,279 schools in 2010-11 tops last year’s number in the 55-year history of the NFHS survey.

With concussion protocols and laws in place in every state, a reduction in contact levels before the season and during practices, and the teaching of proper tackling skills at lower levels, we believe people, including parents of high school student-athletes, are seeing and believing that the sport of football at the high school level remains as safe as it ever has been.   

These numbers express the desire by high schools to keep alive one of the oldest and most treasured traditions in our nation – Friday Night Football Under the Lights. Although there are many options today for the entertainment dollar, nothing surpasses supporting the local high school football team on Friday nights. The No. 1 fan base in America? The answer is in the numbers – 14,269 schools and 1,029,588 participants.

 And the excitement for the sport which was first played in 1875 between two Connecticut schools is not limited to the traditional 11-player game. In some rural areas of the country, schools field 6-, 8- and 9-person teams due to declining populations, but the excitement for the sport remains.

An article on www.ruralmessenger.com details the excitement of six-person football in western Kansas. The Kansas State High School Activities Association sanctioned six-person football in 2021 to meet the needs of smaller schools in the western part of the state, which has given residents of towns like Ingalls, Kansas, the same opportunities as other high school fans across the country.

Mark Lentz, assistant executive director of the KSHSAA, said keeping the football team going gives small towns a chance to bring their community together.

“When you play a varsity game on a Friday night, that’s what’s going on in town,” Lentz said. “And that’s what we want to keep, and we want schools to thrive and communities to thrive and have that opportunity.”

 While the numbers are heading back in a positive direction in the traditional sport of football, the acceleration in the numbers for girls flag football has been even more astounding. Since the first post-pandemic NFHS survey, participation in girls flag football has increased a whopping 388 percent, with the 2024-25 report indicating 68,847 girls competing in the fastest-growing emerging sport for girls. Sixteen states have sanctioned the sport, with two more set to officially approve by 2027, and 22 other states have independent/pilot programs. The potential is simply off the charts. 

The rapid growth of flag football for girls is one of the best stories in a number of years. The NFHS has published a rules book to accommodate the growth, and more and more state associations are sanctioning the sport and providing girls an opportunity to compete for a state championship. 

And the sport is growing at other levels as well. Girls NFL Flag experienced a year-over-year growth of 21 percent in 2024 and sustained expansion through Parks &amp; Recreation programs (up 23 percent in 2024) and YMCA programs (up 31 percent in 2024).

The 2024-25 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey indicated an overall total of 1,139,326 participants (boys and girls) in all variations of football (11-player, 9-player, 8-player, 6-player and flag) – 13.8 percent of all sports in the record-setting total of 8,266,244.

While some college conferences continue to schedule games on Friday nights, it is clear that high school football remains the lifeblood of communities on this special night during the fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DR. KARISSA NIEHOFF NFHSIn just four years since the return to full activity in high school sports following the pandemic, participation figures have increased more than 200,000 each year. Two of the biggest reasons have been the re-emergence of 11-player football and the skyrocketing numbers of girls flag football.In the year prior to the pandemic, football had just recorded its sixth consecutive decline and 10th decline in the previous 11 years. Participation had dropped more than 100,000 participants during that time period.Talk about a comeback. With many programs on the sidelines for parts of two years, the return of the floodlights to high school fields on Friday nights has sparked communities across the country.The number of participants in boys 11-player football has increased three of the past four years – a trend not seen since the mid-2000s some 20 years ago. And to further illustrate the health of the most popular high school boys sport, the number of schools offering the sport was the second-highest all-time in 2024. With 14,269 schools sponsoring 11-player football in 2024, only the 14,279 schools in 2010-11 tops last year’s number in the 55-year history of the NFHS survey.With concussion protocols and laws in place in every state, a reduction in contact levels before the season and during practices, and the teaching of proper tackling skills at lower levels, we believe people, including parents of high school student-athletes, are seeing and believing that the sport of football at the high school level remains as safe as it ever has been. These numbers express the desire by high schools to keep alive one of the oldest and most treasured traditions in our nation – Friday Night Football Under the Lights. Although there are many options today for the entertainment dollar, nothing surpasses supporting the local high school football team on Friday nights. The No. 1 fan base in America? The answer is in the numbers – 14,269 schools and 1,029,588 participants. And the excitement for the sport which was first played in 1875 between two Connecticut schools is not limited to the traditional 11-player game. In some rural areas of the country, schools field 6-, 8- and 9-person teams due to declining populations, but the excitement for the sport remains.An article on www.ruralmessenger.com details the excitement of six-person football in western Kansas. The Kansas State High School Activities Association sanctioned six-person football in 2021 to meet the needs of smaller schools in the western part of the state, which has given residents of towns like Ingalls, Kansas, the same opportunities as other high school fans across the country.Mark Lentz, assistant executive director of the KSHSAA, said keeping the football team going gives small towns a chance to bring their community together.“When you play a varsity game on a Friday night, that’s what’s going on in town,” Lentz said. “And that’s what we want to keep, and we want schools to thrive and communities to thrive and have that opportunity.” While the numbers are heading back in a positive direction in the traditional sport of football, the acceleration in the numbers for girls flag football has been even more astounding. Since the first post-pandemic NFHS survey, participation in girls flag football has increased a whopping 388 percent, with the 2024-25 report indicating 68,847 girls competing in the fastest-growing emerging sport for girls. Sixteen states have sanctioned the sport, with two more set to officially approve by 2027, and 22 other states have independent/pilot programs. The potential is simply off the charts. The rapid growth of flag football for girls is one of the best stories in a number of years. The NFHS has published a rules book to accommodate the growth, and more and more state associations are sanctioning the sport and providing girls an opportunity to compete for a state championship. And the sport is growing at other levels as well. Girls NFL Flag experienced a year-over-year growth of 21 percent in 2024 and sustained expansion through Parks &amp; Recreation programs (up 23 percent in 2024) and YMCA programs (up 31 percent in 2024).The 2024-25 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey indicated an overall total of 1,139,326 participants (boys and girls) in all variations of football (11-player, 9-player, 8-player, 6-player and flag) – 13.8 percent of all sports in the record-setting total of 8,266,244.While some college conferences continue to schedule games on Friday nights, it is clear that high school football remains the lifeblood of communities on this special night during the fall.

High School Football Continues to Rebound From Pre-Pandemic Decline

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.

The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.

Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.

After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.

Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.

Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.

Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.

Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.

Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.

Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758378524702.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates as he crosses the plate after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates as he crosses the plate after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.<h2>Key moment</h2>Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.<h2>Key stat</h2>Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.<h2>Up next</h2>Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.

Perez hits 3-run HR in 7-run 1st inning as Royals rough up Scherzer in 20-1 win over Blue Jays

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw gave up a home run while pitching his final regular-season home game for the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving standing ovations from fans. This comes a day after he announced his retirement at the end of the season. Kershaw, 37, left the game with the Dodgers trailing 2-1, having given up two runs and four hits. Fans cheered as he walked off, waving and hugging teammates. Kershaw's career includes three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships. His competitive spirit remains strong despite recent injuries. The Dodgers beat San Francisco 6-3 to clinch their 13th consecutive postseason berth.

TOKYO (AP) — Anna Hall joined Jackie Joyner-Kersee as America’s second winner of the world heptathlon title, wrapping up a wire-to-wire endurance test with cruise into the finish line to celebrate her biggest victory. It’s the first major title for Hall, one of the world’s most consistent performers in the seven-part event, after years of close calls and disappointments. Hall finished with 6,888 points to top Ireland's Kate O'Connor by 122. Defending champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson finished in a rare tie for third place with American Taliyah Brooks.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders because of an injured left knee. It is the first game Daniels will sit out since entering the NFL last season. He was unable to fully participate in practice on Friday after also missing work with his teammates on Wednesday and Thursday. Washington coach Dan Quinn said the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year won’t play this week and Marcus Mariota will replace Daniels in the lineup. It will be the first start for Mariota since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons.

SANTA CLARA. Calif. (AP) — Quarterback Brock Purdy is highly unlikely to start for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a toe injury. He was listed as questionable for the game against the Arizona Cardinals, with a final decision expected on Saturday. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned Purdy might serve as a backup if he can’t start. Mac Jones would start his second game if Purdy isn’t ready. Purdy injured his toe in the season opener and missed last week’s game. He returned to practice on a limited basis this week. The 49ers have other players dealing with injuries, affecting their lineup for Sunday.

TOKYO (AP) — Noah Lyles pulled ahead of Kenny Bednarek heading into the straightaway then held him off down the stretch to capture his fourth title in a much-awaited 200 meters at the world championships. Lyles finished in 19.52 seconds for a .06-second margin over Bednarek who led at the halfway point, fell behind by a few steps but was closing the gap over the final footsteps. Lyles matched Usain Bolt with four titles at the world championships. Minutes later, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed the first women’s 100-200 double at worlds since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, winning in 21.68 seconds — a .46-second margin over surprise silver medalist Amy Hunt of Britain.

NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto has hit his career-high 42nd homer. The slugger reached the milestone in the first year of his record $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Soto’s 419-foot, three-run shot to straightaway center capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning against Washington. The 26-year-old topped his previous career high, which he set last season with the crosstown Yankees. Soto signed his 15-year deal with the Mets in December. He’s the eighth player this century to have consecutive 40-homer seasons for different clubs.

PHOENIX (AP) — Alyssa Thomas had a 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in her fifth career playoff triple-double, and the Phoenix Mercury advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs by eliminating the defending champion New York Liberty 79-73 in Game 3 on Friday night. Satou Sabally added 23 points and 12 rebounds for the fourth-seeded Mercury, who play at top-seeded Minnesota on Sunday to start the best-of-five semifinal round. Thomas has five of the seven WNBA playoff triple-doubles. Breanna Stewart, five days after spraining the MCL in her left knee in overtime of a Game 1 win, scored 30 points for the Liberty.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool maintained a perfect start to its Premier League season when Ryan Gravenberch scored and set up a first-half goal in a 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. Seeking to win consecutive league titles for the first time since the 1980s, Liverpool is 5-0. Liverpool was listless for large stretches of the second half and Idrissa Gueye scored in the 58th minute for the Toffees, who lost for the first time since their opener at Leeds. Liverpool has won five consecutive home games against the Blues for the first time since 1933-37.

The WNBA semifinals are set and a new champion is guaranteed after all four remaining teams were challenged in the opening round. Minnesota, Las Vegas and Phoenix have all made it this far in the past few years, while Indiana won a playoff series for the first time in a decade. The Lynx will face the Mercury, and the Aces will play the Fever in best-of-five series that begin Sunday. The Lynx are looking for their first championship since 2017. They’ll face a confident Phoenix squad that knocked out the defending champion New York Liberty in three games.

MILAN (AP) — The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that Russian athletes will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at next year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Games. This decision follows the same approach used at the Paris Games. IOC president Kirsty Coventry says nothing has changed from Paris. Restrictions remain for Russian athletes in the military or those supporting the invasion of Ukraine. The IOC clarified that it has never discussed banning Israel from the Games. The Milan-Cortina Games will take place in northern Italy from Feb. 6-22. Security concerns are heightened due to recent pro-Palestinian protests.

INTERLEAGUEFinal Atlanta 10 Detroit 1Final Athletics 4 Pittsburgh 3Final Chicago White Sox 4 San Diego 3Final Colorado 7 L.A. Angels 6Final Miami 6 Texas 4

AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Baltimore 4 N.Y. Yankees 2Final Kansas City 20 Toronto 1Final Boston 11 Tampa Bay 7Final Cleveland 6 Minnesota 2Final Seattle 4 Houston 0

NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 7 Chicago Cubs 4Final N.Y. Mets 12 Washington 6Final St. Louis 7 Milwaukee 1Final Philadelphia 8 Arizona 2Final L.A. Dodgers 6 San Francisco 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw gave up a home run while pitching his final regular-season home game for the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving standing ovations from fans. This comes a day after he announced his retirement at the end of the season. Kershaw, 37, left the game with the Dodgers trailing 2-1, having given up two runs and four hits. Fans cheered as he walked off, waving and hugging teammates. Kershaw's career includes three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships. His competitive spirit remains strong despite recent injuries. The Dodgers beat San Francisco 6-3 to clinch their 13th consecutive postseason berth.TOKYO (AP) — Anna Hall joined Jackie Joyner-Kersee as America’s second winner of the world heptathlon title, wrapping up a wire-to-wire endurance test with cruise into the finish line to celebrate her biggest victory. It’s the first major title for Hall, one of the world’s most consistent performers in the seven-part event, after years of close calls and disappointments. Hall finished with 6,888 points to top Ireland's Kate O'Connor by 122. Defending champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson finished in a rare tie for third place with American Taliyah Brooks.ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders because of an injured left knee. It is the first game Daniels will sit out since entering the NFL last season. He was unable to fully participate in practice on Friday after also missing work with his teammates on Wednesday and Thursday. Washington coach Dan Quinn said the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year won’t play this week and Marcus Mariota will replace Daniels in the lineup. It will be the first start for Mariota since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons.SANTA CLARA. Calif. (AP) — Quarterback Brock Purdy is highly unlikely to start for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a toe injury. He was listed as questionable for the game against the Arizona Cardinals, with a final decision expected on Saturday. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned Purdy might serve as a backup if he can’t start. Mac Jones would start his second game if Purdy isn’t ready. Purdy injured his toe in the season opener and missed last week’s game. He returned to practice on a limited basis this week. The 49ers have other players dealing with injuries, affecting their lineup for Sunday.TOKYO (AP) — Noah Lyles pulled ahead of Kenny Bednarek heading into the straightaway then held him off down the stretch to capture his fourth title in a much-awaited 200 meters at the world championships. Lyles finished in 19.52 seconds for a .06-second margin over Bednarek who led at the halfway point, fell behind by a few steps but was closing the gap over the final footsteps. Lyles matched Usain Bolt with four titles at the world championships. Minutes later, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed the first women’s 100-200 double at worlds since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, winning in 21.68 seconds — a .46-second margin over surprise silver medalist Amy Hunt of Britain.NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto has hit his career-high 42nd homer. The slugger reached the milestone in the first year of his record $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Soto’s 419-foot, three-run shot to straightaway center capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning against Washington. The 26-year-old topped his previous career high, which he set last season with the crosstown Yankees. Soto signed his 15-year deal with the Mets in December. He’s the eighth player this century to have consecutive 40-homer seasons for different clubs.PHOENIX (AP) — Alyssa Thomas had a 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in her fifth career playoff triple-double, and the Phoenix Mercury advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs by eliminating the defending champion New York Liberty 79-73 in Game 3 on Friday night. Satou Sabally added 23 points and 12 rebounds for the fourth-seeded Mercury, who play at top-seeded Minnesota on Sunday to start the best-of-five semifinal round. Thomas has five of the seven WNBA playoff triple-doubles. Breanna Stewart, five days after spraining the MCL in her left knee in overtime of a Game 1 win, scored 30 points for the Liberty.LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool maintained a perfect start to its Premier League season when Ryan Gravenberch scored and set up a first-half goal in a 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. Seeking to win consecutive league titles for the first time since the 1980s, Liverpool is 5-0. Liverpool was listless for large stretches of the second half and Idrissa Gueye scored in the 58th minute for the Toffees, who lost for the first time since their opener at Leeds. Liverpool has won five consecutive home games against the Blues for the first time since 1933-37.The WNBA semifinals are set and a new champion is guaranteed after all four remaining teams were challenged in the opening round. Minnesota, Las Vegas and Phoenix have all made it this far in the past few years, while Indiana won a playoff series for the first time in a decade. The Lynx will face the Mercury, and the Aces will play the Fever in best-of-five series that begin Sunday. The Lynx are looking for their first championship since 2017. They’ll face a confident Phoenix squad that knocked out the defending champion New York Liberty in three games.MILAN (AP) — The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that Russian athletes will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at next year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Games. This decision follows the same approach used at the Paris Games. IOC president Kirsty Coventry says nothing has changed from Paris. Restrictions remain for Russian athletes in the military or those supporting the invasion of Ukraine. The IOC clarified that it has never discussed banning Israel from the Games. The Milan-Cortina Games will take place in northern Italy from Feb. 6-22. Security concerns are heightened due to recent pro-Palestinian protests.FinalsINTERLEAGUEFinal Atlanta 10 Detroit 1Final Athletics 4 Pittsburgh 3Final Chicago White Sox 4 San Diego 3Final Colorado 7 L.A. Angels 6Final Miami 6 Texas 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Baltimore 4 N.Y. Yankees 2Final Kansas City 20 Toronto 1Final Boston 11 Tampa Bay 7Final Cleveland 6 Minnesota 2Final Seattle 4 Houston 0NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 7 Chicago Cubs 4Final N.Y. Mets 12 Washington 6Final St. Louis 7 Milwaukee 1Final Philadelphia 8 Arizona 2Final L.A. Dodgers 6 San Francisco 3

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Friday Scores from the Associated Press

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 55, Columbus 13

Friday Scores from the Associated PressAndale 53, Rose Hill 13Andover 19, Goddard 16Andover Central 35, Arkansas City 14Augusta 40, Winfield 0Baldwin 35, Burlington 0Cheney 28, Garden Plain 7Cherryvale 14, Eureka 8De Soto 34, KC Piper 15Douglass 44, Conway Springs 3Fort Scott 15, Independence 8Frontenac 42, Riverton 14Galena 41, Afton, Okla. 0Girard 32, Baxter Springs 14Highland Park 36, KC Schlagle 18Humboldt 42, Erie 12Labette County 20, Pittsburg 13Lawrence Free State 49, SM West 27Lebo 60, Waverly 14Liberal 52, Guymon, Okla. 13Maize 56, Hutchinson 19Mulvane 43, Circle 16Nemaha Central 56, Rossville 28Ness City 48, Macksville 0Olpe 54, Jayhawk Linn 0Oswego 45, Crest 0Ottawa 40, Paola 7Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 55, Columbus 13Prairie View 42, Wellsville 35Rock Creek 68, Bonner Springs 0SM Northwest 52, Olathe West 33Smith Center 28, Norton 20Southeast of Saline 50, Beloit 0Valley Center 35, Maize South 14Wellington 18, Clearwater 14Wichita Collegiate 42, El Dorado 0Wichita Trinity 30, Kingman 27

Friday Statewide Scores

GREAT BEND SPORTS ON B104.3 THE POINT SPONSORED BY... GB TARP COMPANY, ADVANCE TRUCK &amp; DIESEL, KELLER REAL ESTATE &amp; INSURANCE, EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, THE FIELDHOUSE, MARMIE AUTO GROUP, MAGNA DRY CLEANING SERVICES, FREEDOM CLAIMS MANAGEMENT, GREAT BEND REC, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, CHRIS RAMSEY SHELTER INSURANCE, MITCH HANEY &amp; ASSOCIATES, FARMER'S BANK &amp; TRUST, SCOTT'S WELDING SERVICE, PEOPLE'S BANK &amp; TRUST, KERNS FLOOR SERVICE, NEX-TECH, COMFORT PRO, THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEATH SYSTEM - GREAT BEND CAMPUS, SUTHERLANDS, AND THE 10TH STREEET EYECARE CENTER. STONE SAND COMPANY AND STONE WASTE MANAGEMENT, ADVANCED THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DAMM PIPE TESTING, GREAT BEND REDI MIX, INSURANCE PLANNING, EDWARD JONES, DELGADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, MPIRE REALTY, AMERICAN PLAINS COOP, AND CODY CROOK RED CEDAR LAND COMPANY. GB TIRES, THE ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER, BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DR CHAD OHNMACHT DDS, AND WATKINS CALCARA CHARTERED.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend 38 Buhler 14<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/bkpv111a/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>GREAT BEND SPORTS ON B104.3 THE POINT SPONSORED BY... GB TARP COMPANY, ADVANCE TRUCK &amp; DIESEL, KELLER REAL ESTATE &amp; INSURANCE, EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, THE FIELDHOUSE, MARMIE AUTO GROUP, MAGNA DRY CLEANING SERVICES, FREEDOM CLAIMS MANAGEMENT, GREAT BEND REC, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, CHRIS RAMSEY SHELTER INSURANCE, MITCH HANEY &amp; ASSOCIATES, FARMER'S BANK &amp; TRUST, SCOTT'S WELDING SERVICE, PEOPLE'S BANK &amp; TRUST, KERNS FLOOR SERVICE, NEX-TECH, COMFORT PRO, THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEATH SYSTEM - GREAT BEND CAMPUS, SUTHERLANDS, AND THE 10TH STREEET EYECARE CENTER. STONE SAND COMPANY AND STONE WASTE MANAGEMENT, ADVANCED THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DAMM PIPE TESTING, GREAT BEND REDI MIX, INSURANCE PLANNING, EDWARD JONES, DELGADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, MPIRE REALTY, AMERICAN PLAINS COOP, AND CODY CROOK RED CEDAR LAND COMPANY. GB TIRES, THE ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER, BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DR CHAD OHNMACHT DDS, AND WATKINS CALCARA CHARTERED.

Great Bend 38 Buhler 14

LARNED SPORTS ON HITS 106.9 BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY... EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, SMITH DENTAL CLINIC, CLOCK REALTY &amp; INSURANCE, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, PROGRESSIVE THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DOERR'S ACE HARDWARE, FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES - LEIGH ANN SEEMAN, PAWNEE PLAZA, HEART OF KANSAS FAMILY HEALTH, COMFORT PRO, EAKIN ENTERPRISES, FRICK VETERINARY, USD #495 LARNED, CARR AUCTION &amp; REAL ESTATE, AG SYSTEMS, FUSION BANK, PICKET FENCE REAL ESTATE, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Pratt 41 Larned 6<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/uhb3h5il/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>LARNED SPORTS ON HITS 106.9 BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY... EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, SMITH DENTAL CLINIC, CLOCK REALTY &amp; INSURANCE, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, PROGRESSIVE THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DOERR'S ACE HARDWARE, FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES - LEIGH ANN SEEMAN, PAWNEE PLAZA, HEART OF KANSAS FAMILY HEALTH, COMFORT PRO, EAKIN ENTERPRISES, FRICK VETERINARY, USD #495 LARNED, CARR AUCTION &amp; REAL ESTATE, AG SYSTEMS, FUSION BANK, PICKET FENCE REAL ESTATE, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Pratt 41 Larned 6

Hoisington Vs Scott City Ruled "No Contest" Due to Weather

HOISINGTON SPORTS ON 100.7 EAGLE COUNTRY SPONSORED BY... EQUITY BANK, USD #431 HOISINGTON, EHLER CHEVROLET, CARDINAL PHARMACY, TOWN &amp; COUNTRY SUPERMARKET, SUPERIOR ESSEX, FIRST KANSAS BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, MPIRE REALTY NIKKI HENDERSON, CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CENTER, HOISINGTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL, HOISINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB, AMERICAN LEGION POST 286, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENISTRY, HOISINGTON RECREATION COMMISSION, CENTRAL CHIROPRACTIC, DR. TYLER SCHREMMER, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582693944473.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington Vs Scott City Ruled "No Contest" Due to Weather<div></div>HOISINGTON SPORTS ON 100.7 EAGLE COUNTRY SPONSORED BY... EQUITY BANK, USD #431 HOISINGTON, EHLER CHEVROLET, CARDINAL PHARMACY, TOWN &amp; COUNTRY SUPERMARKET, SUPERIOR ESSEX, FIRST KANSAS BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, MPIRE REALTY NIKKI HENDERSON, CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CENTER, HOISINGTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL, HOISINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB, AMERICAN LEGION POST 286, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENISTRY, HOISINGTON RECREATION COMMISSION, CENTRAL CHIROPRACTIC, DR. TYLER SCHREMMER, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

- Erin Beck, head coach of the Great Bend Football

- Brady Keith, head coach of Larned Football

- Conor Nicholl of Sunflower Sports Solutions&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756047315700.jpeg" alt="Friday Show Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry" />
 <figcaption>Friday Show Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKq4ZpcCcmY?si=HRRqx0TYSrBScI4A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sounds of the Past 24 Hours- Erin Beck, head coach of the Great Bend Football- Brady Keith, head coach of Larned Football- Conor Nicholl of Sunflower Sports Solutions&nbsp;

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

Angel Sainz&nbsp;etched his name into program history Thursday, scoring all four goals in the 6th-ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team's 4–0 road victory at Lamar Community College.

Sainz became just the sixth Cougar in the 24-year history of the program to score four goals in a match, finishing one shy of Harry Newman's single-game record of five set in 2009. The performance also placed him among the top four in program history for most points in a single contest.

Coming off a 3–1 victory the day prior, Barton endured a quick turnaround and lengthy four-hour bus ride, but still improved to 5-1-1 overall while dropping Lamar to 0-7-0 on the season. The Cougars, off to a 2-0 start in KJCCC play, now turn their attention to a Sunday showdown at 17th-ranked Dodge City Community College (4-0-2, 1-0-1), with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m.

Sainz struck twice in each half, opening the scoring in the 27th minute off&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2025-26/bios/tsuji_masaki_h7ke">Masaki Tsuji</a>'s team-leading third assist before adding an unassisted tally seven minutes before halftime. He picked up where he left off in the second half, converting at the 71st minute from a feed by&nbsp;Kotaro Kimura, then completing the haul two minutes later on&nbsp;Higor Prestes' first collegiate assist.

SCORING SUMMARY 27:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(2); Assist:&nbsp;Masaki Tsuji&nbsp;(3) 38:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(3) 71:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(4); Assist:&nbsp;Kotaro Kimura&nbsp;(1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758293608779.jpeg" alt="BartonSports.com" />
 <figcaption>BartonSports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Angel Sainz&nbsp;etched his name into program history Thursday, scoring all four goals in the 6th-ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team's 4–0 road victory at Lamar Community College.Sainz became just the sixth Cougar in the 24-year history of the program to score four goals in a match, finishing one shy of Harry Newman's single-game record of five set in 2009. The performance also placed him among the top four in program history for most points in a single contest.Coming off a 3–1 victory the day prior, Barton endured a quick turnaround and lengthy four-hour bus ride, but still improved to 5-1-1 overall while dropping Lamar to 0-7-0 on the season. The Cougars, off to a 2-0 start in KJCCC play, now turn their attention to a Sunday showdown at 17th-ranked Dodge City Community College (4-0-2, 1-0-1), with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m.Sainz struck twice in each half, opening the scoring in the 27th minute off&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2025-26/bios/tsuji_masaki_h7ke">Masaki Tsuji</a>'s team-leading third assist before adding an unassisted tally seven minutes before halftime. He picked up where he left off in the second half, converting at the 71st minute from a feed by&nbsp;Kotaro Kimura, then completing the haul two minutes later on&nbsp;Higor Prestes' first collegiate assist.SCORING SUMMARY 27:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(2); Assist:&nbsp;Masaki Tsuji&nbsp;(3) 38:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(3) 71:00:&nbsp;Angel Sainz&nbsp;(4); Assist:&nbsp;Kotaro Kimura&nbsp;(1)

Sainz' haul joins program history powering 6th ranked Cougars' 4-0 victory at Lamar

Less than 24 hours removed from knocking off a ranked conference opponent, the Barton Community College women's soccer team made the nearly four-hour trip to Lamar, Colorado, on Thursday and came away with a 5–1 victory over Lamar Community College.

The win improves Barton to 3-3-0 overall, giving the Cougars a few days of rest before returning to conference play Sunday with a 5:00 p.m. kickoff at Dodge City Community College. Barton enters the contest at 1-2-0 in league, while Dodge City stands at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Lamar, meanwhile, remains winless on the season in six attempts.

Katie Potter&nbsp;struck twice in the first half for her first goals of the season, opening the scoring less than a minute in off&nbsp;Meane Martin Damiao's first collegiate assist. After Lamar briefly pulled level, Potter answered in the 23rd minute on a feed from&nbsp;Maki Kimura, who went on to finish with two assists as Barton carried a 2–1 lead into halftime.

The Cougars broke the match open midway through the second half as Potter turned provider in the 72nd minute, setting up&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch's first collegiate goal. Just three minutes later,&nbsp;Kayla Methman&nbsp;netted her first of the season, converting Kimura's second assist to extend the margin to 4–1.&nbsp;Candice Burnier&nbsp;capped the scoring with two minutes left, burying a penalty kick for her first of the year.

SCORING SUMMARY 1:00:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Meane Martin Damiao&nbsp;(1) 23:00:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(2); Assist:&nbsp;Maki Kimura&nbsp;(2) 72:00:&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(4) 75:00:&nbsp;Kayla Methman&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Maki Kimura&nbsp;(3) 88:00:&nbsp;Candice Burnier&nbsp;(1) – Penalty kick

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758285165221.jpeg" alt="Photo by Katie Potter" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Katie Potter</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than 24 hours removed from knocking off a ranked conference opponent, the Barton Community College women's soccer team made the nearly four-hour trip to Lamar, Colorado, on Thursday and came away with a 5–1 victory over Lamar Community College.The win improves Barton to 3-3-0 overall, giving the Cougars a few days of rest before returning to conference play Sunday with a 5:00 p.m. kickoff at Dodge City Community College. Barton enters the contest at 1-2-0 in league, while Dodge City stands at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Lamar, meanwhile, remains winless on the season in six attempts.Katie Potter&nbsp;struck twice in the first half for her first goals of the season, opening the scoring less than a minute in off&nbsp;Meane Martin Damiao's first collegiate assist. After Lamar briefly pulled level, Potter answered in the 23rd minute on a feed from&nbsp;Maki Kimura, who went on to finish with two assists as Barton carried a 2–1 lead into halftime.The Cougars broke the match open midway through the second half as Potter turned provider in the 72nd minute, setting up&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch's first collegiate goal. Just three minutes later,&nbsp;Kayla Methman&nbsp;netted her first of the season, converting Kimura's second assist to extend the margin to 4–1.&nbsp;Candice Burnier&nbsp;capped the scoring with two minutes left, burying a penalty kick for her first of the year.SCORING SUMMARY 1:00:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Meane Martin Damiao&nbsp;(1) 23:00:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(2); Assist:&nbsp;Maki Kimura&nbsp;(2) 72:00:&nbsp;Maelle Harnisch&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;(4) 75:00:&nbsp;Kayla Methman&nbsp;(1); Assist:&nbsp;Maki Kimura&nbsp;(3) 88:00:&nbsp;Candice Burnier&nbsp;(1) – Penalty kick

Barton women avoid letdown in 5-1 win at Lamar

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Coming off the first of three open weeks this season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return to action Saturday when they open Big 12 Conference play with a home matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

The Jayhawks (2-1) and Mountaineers (2-1) will kick off at 5 p.m., on FS1 with Noah Reed and Robert Smith on the call. The matchup will mark the third time over the past four seasons that the two teams have opened Big 12 play against each other. Kansas won the 2022 matchup in Morgantown, while host West Virginia won last year's game.

Kansas returns to the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium after a road game at Missouri earlier this month. The Jayhawks are 2-0 at home this year, outscoring opponents 77-14. The Kansas offense totaled 631 yards last home game against Wagner in a 46-7 win, while the defense has allowed just 359 yards in two home games.

The Kansas offensive attack has been led by sixth-year quarterback&nbsp;Jalon Daniels. Daniels is completing 72 percent of his passes through three games, with 679 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has also added 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

He has found a connection with several different pass catchers, including tight end&nbsp;DeShawn Hanika&nbsp;(nine catches, 95 yards, three touchdowns) and receivers&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;(12 catches, 183 yards, two touchdowns) and&nbsp;Cam Pickett&nbsp;(10 catches, 124 yards, three touchdowns).

Defensively, linebackers&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bangally Kamara&nbsp;have had a strong start to the season for the Jayhawks. Lathan, who began his career at West Virginia and spent three seasons with the Mountaineers, leads the team with 25 tackles, and has also added 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a pair of pass breakups. Kamara, who missed the Wagner contest, has 13 tackles in two games, with a team-best four tackles-for-loss.

West Virginia opens conference play coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter, but staged a dramatic comeback to earn the win, behind 141 yards and three touchdowns from running back Tye Edwards.

The Mountaineers are under the direction of head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is in his first season back with West Virginia. Rodriguez served as the head coach for the program from 2001 to 2007 and is 63-26 at the school.

Kansas and West Virginia will be meeting for the 14th&nbsp;time in series history, including the sixth meeting in Lawrence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758284863648.jpeg" alt="KUAthletics.com" />
 <figcaption>KUAthletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Coming off the first of three open weeks this season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return to action Saturday when they open Big 12 Conference play with a home matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers.The Jayhawks (2-1) and Mountaineers (2-1) will kick off at 5 p.m., on FS1 with Noah Reed and Robert Smith on the call. The matchup will mark the third time over the past four seasons that the two teams have opened Big 12 play against each other. Kansas won the 2022 matchup in Morgantown, while host West Virginia won last year's game.Kansas returns to the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium after a road game at Missouri earlier this month. The Jayhawks are 2-0 at home this year, outscoring opponents 77-14. The Kansas offense totaled 631 yards last home game against Wagner in a 46-7 win, while the defense has allowed just 359 yards in two home games.The Kansas offensive attack has been led by sixth-year quarterback&nbsp;Jalon Daniels. Daniels is completing 72 percent of his passes through three games, with 679 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has also added 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground.He has found a connection with several different pass catchers, including tight end&nbsp;DeShawn Hanika&nbsp;(nine catches, 95 yards, three touchdowns) and receivers&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;(12 catches, 183 yards, two touchdowns) and&nbsp;Cam Pickett&nbsp;(10 catches, 124 yards, three touchdowns).Defensively, linebackers&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bangally Kamara&nbsp;have had a strong start to the season for the Jayhawks. Lathan, who began his career at West Virginia and spent three seasons with the Mountaineers, leads the team with 25 tackles, and has also added 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a pair of pass breakups. Kamara, who missed the Wagner contest, has 13 tackles in two games, with a team-best four tackles-for-loss.West Virginia opens conference play coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter, but staged a dramatic comeback to earn the win, behind 141 yards and three touchdowns from running back Tye Edwards.The Mountaineers are under the direction of head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is in his first season back with West Virginia. Rodriguez served as the head coach for the program from 2001 to 2007 and is 63-26 at the school.Kansas and West Virginia will be meeting for the 14th&nbsp;time in series history, including the sixth meeting in Lawrence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jayhawks Open Big 12 Play Versus West Virginia at The Booth

Tom Brady was finished. Bill Belichick couldn’t coach anymore. The New England Patriots’ run of dominance had ended.

Those were the premature headlines and hot takes after the “We’re on to Cincinnati” game 11 years ago.

Now, it’s the Chiefs hearing similar questions.

The Patriots were destroyed by Kansas City 41-14 in front of a national television audience on Monday night, Sept. 29, 2014 to fall to 2-2.

Brady threw two interceptions and Jimmy Garoppolo played well in garbage time, prompting folks with ill-advised opinions to call for a quarterback change.

Belichick didn’t care to rehash the lopsided loss when he spoke to reporters two days later, and he wasn’t interested in questions about benching his 37-year-old quarterback.

Five times, Belichick responded: “We’re on to Cincinnati.”

He made sure the team was focused on looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.

The Patriots routed the Bengals 43-17 to spark a seven-game winning streak, finished 12-4 and went on to win their fourth Super Bowl with Brady and Belichick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758284734397.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tom Brady was finished. Bill Belichick couldn’t coach anymore. The New England Patriots’ run of dominance had ended.Those were the premature headlines and hot takes after the “We’re on to Cincinnati” game 11 years ago.Now, it’s the Chiefs hearing similar questions.The Patriots were destroyed by Kansas City 41-14 in front of a national television audience on Monday night, Sept. 29, 2014 to fall to 2-2.Brady threw two interceptions and Jimmy Garoppolo played well in garbage time, prompting folks with ill-advised opinions to call for a quarterback change.Belichick didn’t care to rehash the lopsided loss when he spoke to reporters two days later, and he wasn’t interested in questions about benching his 37-year-old quarterback.Five times, Belichick responded: “We’re on to Cincinnati.”He made sure the team was focused on looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.The Patriots routed the Bengals 43-17 to spark a seven-game winning streak, finished 12-4 and went on to win their fourth Super Bowl with Brady and Belichick.They won a fifth and sixth Super Bowl title over the next four years.That talk about the end of the dynasty in 2014 was nonsense.Brady went on to win his seventh Lombardi trophy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at age 43.Good thing Belichick never listened to the “experts” who wanted him to replace Brady with Garoppolo.The Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position at 0-2 for the first time since that 2014 season, the last time they didn’t win a division title. The offense is struggling and their decade-long reign over the AFC West is in a precarious position.Like Belichick and Brady when they faced criticism in 2014, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are 3-2 in Super Bowls together.Anything less than a Lombardi won’t be considered a success in Kansas City. But making the playoffs is going to be a challenge at this point.Only five of the 43 teams (11.6%) that&nbsp;started 0-2&nbsp;have made the postseason since the field was expanded in 2020. Only the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots and 2007 Giants have won a Super Bowl following an 0-2 start.“Listen, we haven’t won (a) game so I understand, I get it,” Reid said about the criticism. “We keep pushing, and we’ll keep pushing and working forward and seeing what we can do going down the road here.”The Chiefs haven’t been blown out in their first two games. They lost 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil in Week 1. The defense couldn’t get a stop late in the game to give Mahomes a final drive to try to win it.They lost 20-17 at home last week in a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated the Chiefs in February. The outcome probably would have been different if Travis Kelce didn’t drop a pass at the goal line that turned into an interception in the fourth quarter.Mahomes, who turned 30 earlier this week, is a long way from finished. He leads the team in rushing, which needs to change. He also doesn’t have all of his playmakers. Xavier Worthy was injured in the opener and Rashee Rice is suspended through the first six games.“Even though we have never been 0-2, we’ve had stretches where we’ve lost big games kind of consecutively and guys have responded,” Mahomes said. “It’s about the character of the guys in the locker room more than it is the play on the football field and I think that we have the guys that are going to continue to work. They’re not going to let this push them down, they’re going to use it, if anything, as motivation to be even better.“I think that gives me the most faith and then the coaches that we have they’ll continue to push to be even better. We’ll have a great week of practice this week and know we’re going to have to play our best football to win a game against a good football team in the Giants.”The schedule is daunting after&nbsp;New York&nbsp;(0-2). Five of the next six games will be against playoff teams. The Chiefs host the Ravens in Week 4, the Lions in Week 6, the Commanders in Week 8 and visit the Bills in Week 9.“You take it one week at a time, but I think you just continue to even amplify the little details,” Mahomes said. “Sometimes when you’re winning a lot, those little details get lost and that’s how you lose, but when you lose early like this, you have to really just focus on those little details and maximize those and then you try and set the example on the practice field and stay after and do extra stuff and do a little bit here and there and push other guys to do the same. We’re really good at that.”What Brady, Belichick and the Patriots accomplished in New England — six Super Bowl titles in 20 years — may never be duplicated. The second half of that run — three championships in five seasons after Brady turned 37 and the “on to Cincinnati” game — is even more impressive the first.The Chiefs have a long way to go to even enter that conversation but it’s way too early to&nbsp;count them out.